Christian Religion

Wow, this course really challenged me. I am not a Christian and there were many times throughout this course where I threw down my printouts in disgust over the ludicrous things that were being presented to me “holy.” Having said that, I learned a great deal about Christianity, both as it is practiced, and the sometimes convoluted path that it follows to connect its tenets to that practice. I can also say that I have a much greater understanding of the Christian Bible and found much within it to make it a ‘good book.’

Although I doubt whether I will ever agree with many of the beliefs that Christianity holds, the fundamental principles of fellowship, charity and community are very positive. To be provided the opportunity observe the early roots of the Christian religion and its formative text was an enlightening experience. I discovered that, like any religion, there are great moments and terrible moments and it is the combination of these that has allowed Christianity to become the largest religion currently in existence.

I must say that I was quite disappointed with the manner in which this course was presented. The instructor is obviously a strong proponent for Christianity and peppers all of their discussions with arguments for the conversion to the Christian faith. In an academic environment, this is abhorrent to me. I feel that this course should be considered for revision, I feel that this course comes dangerously close to being propaganda for a religion. Although I have not taken any courses specific to other religions, I would hope that I either 1. do not find the same bias there or 2. find the exact same bias universally presented. Anything less than one of these items would be to allow one religion to seek supremacy over another.

Be very careful if you take this course, it might change your mind.

Rev. Douglas Grant

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

Religion

Dr. Herbert L. Fuchs gave a good introduction to Christianity with a primarily Roman Catholic perspective, which I found helpful as I come from a Protestant background. We have two sacraments and Catholics have seven. It was good gaining insight into the meanings of many of our traditions. I also appreciated his simple Bible based perspective given to various issues that all Christians face such as abortion and gay marriage. Though his course was not as scholarly as some, it offered a simple, straight-forward perspective that would be especially helpful for the un-churched members of our seminary community. Anyone taking this course would understand basic Christian principles and traditions, and how to study the Bible, helping them grow in their Christian faith.

Bible study was dealt with very well by this teacher. He had a simple approach, encouraging students to look at several Bibles and pick the one that they understood and best suited their lifestyle and needs. Dr. Fuchs also walked students through a good introduction to Christian beliefs during a lengthy question and answer series beginning on page 6 of discourse 5. For people with little Biblical background, this course would be very helpful.

His discourse on the Trinity is done as well as I have seen it. Theologians have been fighting over the meaning of the Trinity for two thousand years, and Dr. Fuchs handles it this way: “See, in short you have it that the Father is one, the Son another, and the Holy Spirit another; in Person, each is other, but in nature they are not other.” Here we have three distinct aspects of God working as one. It is almost like one person with three distinct jobs, each supporting and completing the other.

Dr. Fuchs is clearly a fundamentalist, while I am a liberal, but I appreciate this course for what it offers to the mix at the Universal Life Church Seminary. We come from all faiths and backgrounds, so it is important to have a grounding and understanding of all faiths. This course gives a clear, concise understanding of the basics of orthodox Christianity. Christianity is the dominant religion in the United States and permeates through all aspects of our culture and society. Without an understanding of the basics of this belief, a Universal Life Church Minister will have difficulty understanding most of the people he or she comes in contact with. Though I disagree with aspects of Dr. Fuchs’ theology, I believe that this course is a positive presence as part of our curriculum.

Rev. Richard Alan Helmersen

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

Four Gospels

I just concluded the Four Gospels. I am now to write a paper on the course those that know me say it should be easy for me. Many moons ago I sat in a classroom for two years being taught this same course, only from the prospective of the founder of my religious denomination, one that I was not to question their teaching. This Four Gospels Course was all questioning, designed to make you question preconceived notion that you may or may not have. To bring away a personal prospective, it is well written and easy to understand. I took this course looking for some answers, I found some and I found some more questions to take a deeper look into.

Our Christian Bible is a Jewish book born out Judaism. At the time of Christ there was no such religion as Christianity; Jesus was a Jew, as were Peter, James, John, Andrew, Mary Magdalene, and Paul all twelve of the chosen were Jewish. Christianity accepts the fact of only one being a Jew Judas Iscariot.

Jesus was a Galilean Jew and lived his entire life within the boundaries of Judea, the mountainous southern part of the historic Land of Israel an area now divided between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, and, in a few geographical definitions of Judea , Jordan. Historians and Four Gospels generally describe Jesus as an itinerant preacher and leader of a religious movement within Judaism. The followers of Jesus composed an apocalyptic Jewish sect during the late Second Temple period of the 1st century. Some groups that followed Jesus were strictly Jewish, or those strongly attracted to Jewish practice, including the church leaders in Jerusalem. The Roman Centurion Cornelius is the first Gentile (non-Jewish) convert Paul of Tarsus, after his legendary incident on the Road to Damascus, he had success in proselytizing among the Gentiles.

According to biblical reconstruction, Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, taught in parables and aphorisms, challenged pious traditions, legalism and social hierarchy. Is that what we who are Christians are doing in the Universal Life Church -- challenging the established church? Is that challenging pious traditions, legalism and social hierarchy the reason some say that we are not Christian enough? It is not until we throw of the chains of oppression of fundamentalism and legalisms of today’s church will we find the freedom in Christ.

What the Church does not tell you is during Jesus' time and for 20 years after his death; converts to the Christian sect of Judaism were required to convert to Judaism first to become Christians. The very fact then becomes Jesus was Christianity's greatest spokesman, but not its originator.

As such I study the course through Midrash a modifying adjective, Midrashic. For me the Four Gospel Course drove me deeper into the course than ever before. Do you know how delighted I was when my eyes were opened to a simple fact that I missed so many times. Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, is a midrashic creation! The name Zechariah stemmed from the fact John had been identified with prophet Malachi, whose immediate predecessor in the Bible was the prophet Zechariah!

The more I study the Four Gospels I personally question and I am challenged by the concept of the Trinity. I can not find it any where in the Four Gospels. Neither of the words "Trinity" nor "Triunity" appear any where in the Old Testament or New Testament. The Old Testament depicts God as the father of Israel and refers to divine figures such as Word, Spirit, and Wisdom. The Hebrew Scriptures tell us that God is one, and the Godhead a single being. "Hear, O Israel : The LORD our God is one LORD" Deuteronomy 6:4. "Thou shalt have no other gods before me" Deuteronomy 5:7 “Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel and his redeemer the LORD of hosts: I am the first and I am the last; and beside me there is no God." Isaiah 44:6

The New Testament does not use the word "Τριάς" (Trinity) nor explicitly teach it. Jesus and his followers I did not believe intend to contradict the Jewish Shema Yisrael: "Hear, O Israel : The Lord our God is one Lord" Deuteronomy 6:4

I know some of you may or may not understand at this point of what I am talking about but this part of the course is troubling to me. I would love to get my hands on an out of print book written by Michael Goulder, Midrash and the Lection in Matthew. I now find myself questioning the existence of what some call the Q document because I now see Luke and Matthew are to be understood liturgical and lectionary books. I find some of the themes of Exodus in both Matthew and in Mark. I also see examples in Mark and Matthew of Genesis being a guide for these narratives.

The more I read the Four Gospels I find Christianity to be one way to God not the only way. I find words like ALL and NOTHING being used. Matthew 11:28”come to me all” said the Christ of God. That is an invitation for all to seek God through his or her faith even those of other faiths through their faith. I see infinite inclusiveness of the God whose invitation is not selective. I see the love of God “Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” Romans 8:39. Nothing and all must mean nothing and all.

Rev Linda Miskimen

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive and affordable online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, a beginning course on  Wicca, as well as a beginning course on  Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is a free and lifetime ordination, so use the Free Online Ordination, button. We also make available many free wedding ceremonies for your use, as well as funeral ceremonies and other types of ceremonies.

 

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Master of Religion

During this course, I have learned a great deal about the Christian religion. One of my favorite lessons was on Bible Study. There are numerous resources online including E-Sword, Christianity.com. and edible.com. It is very interesting to note the information in the Bible in contrast to organized, dogmatic religion. people have put their own rules and preferences into worship practice and then want to call it another denomination. The Bible is the Word of God and should be used as the final authority in all cases.

There is also no evidence in the Bible banning women from priesthood or ministry. Women have contributed to the spread of Christianity over the centuries. The only really necessary qualifications for ministry are good people skills, wanting to serve God and spread the gospel, a desire to serve others and to bring the word of God and the importance of church and relationship with God to others.

Sacraments differ in the various Christian churches based upon interpretation. In the Protestant church, sacraments are those that Jesus specifically called out in the Bible - Baptism, Eucharist and Confession. Other churches, such as the Catholic and Orthodox churches add marriage, ordination (holy orders), confirmation and anointing of the sick. Again, I believe that the best practice is to consult the Bible and make a decision after reflecting on it sufficiently.

There are many worship practices depending upon which denomination one belongs to. It is important to go to church regularly, pray and participate in the worship--not just go to enjoy the music. The Eucharist is the center of all Christian worship services and it should be received regularly by Christians along with going to confess sin to a minister or priest. The Bible does say to confess sins to each other and to forgive others if you want to be forgiven.

As members of the church, we need to reach out to others that have problems such as drug abuse, alcohol and are involved in prostitution. Jesus sought out people who had problems such as these so that he could bring forgiveness to them and heal their illnesses. We are called to walk in his footsteps and do the same. There are many ways to help people with these types of issues and it is important not to shun them, but bring God's love to them.

One of the most important subjects in this course was the subject of divorce. It is interesting to note that the divorce itself is not so much a sin as what leads up to divorce. Infidelity is a big cause and can involve both partners. What I found interesting is the more insidious causes of divorce that are hard to even identify until it is firmly established. These would be: sarcasm, impatience, lack of respect, financial mismanagement, alcohol, overall failure to love. These things can creep in during times of stress and can really take a toll on a relationship over time. This was a very important learning that I took away from this course.

The lessons on church history were very valuable. In many current publications it is still being debated whether Constantine was really Christian or if he converted on his deathbed. There have been many influences on the church over the centuries and many atrocities that one would not expect to see from an institution proclaiming itself as divine.

Lastly, we in the US are very fortunate to be able to freely practice our religious beliefs (Christian or other). There are many countries in the world where people are actually killed for their faith. This is really being put to the test. We need to support our government even if we do not support all decisions made by it. After all, we live in the best and most free country in the world. We should pray for our country and be willing to pay taxes honestly to support it.

Overall, I really liked the course content and thought it was very objectively presented. It held my interest all the way through and helped me to better understand all denominations and perspectives on Christianity. Thank you, Amy, for making these courses possible. I plan on taking all of the courses offered through the seminary. They are quite valuable.

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Master of Religion

The thing that jumps out strongest about the course Master of Religion - it was entirely too short. There is so much information to be covered in just 20 short lessons. I could have gone on for a lot longer. I always enjoy a course when it opens ideas and forces me to think about my beliefs and even research further into the issues involved. One issue I felt compelled to tackle in this course was discernment.

Following the discussion on the multiple flavors of Christian religion I felt challenged to look not only at the variety of beliefs but also the influence on people and on the lives of individuals. Does this "flavor" of Christianity lead to a good life - bear positive fruit - or can it be linked to an evil influence - do the followers lie, steal and cheat?

I myself feel that it is the fruit of the flavor that bears witness to the strengths of the belief system.

The Catholic Church's long term battle on opposing view points certainly does not lend itself to a positive life style. Yet, it is the leaders that continue unjust persecution not the average believer. So can we condemn the system for such former abuses Other denominations have been just as repressive and destructive through the years. I believe it is the hatred that disturbs our heavenly creator and not the flavor of the belief we follow. Often the average believer does not even understand the complex theology used to support the views and actions of the leaders. Nor do they necessarily follow the same political issues.

In past ages many believers were unable to read and could only follow the leadership they were given, which might not be the most Christian view point. Check out the view of the puritans when they sought to establish themselves in this country. It was not a very glorious story, and fortunately they have vanished.

Today we are very lucky to have the opportunity to follow God and learn line upon line, precept upon precept. Before I feel confident telling others what to believe I need to be sure I know what I really believe. This course have given me a choice opportunity to question and study my belief system.

Keep up the good work.

I consider this course a good introduction to the Christian faith and beliefs. Thanks

Zelma Emerson

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The Universal Life Church Seminary is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, and Paganism.  We have two courses in Metaphysics, as well as courses in Mystical Christianity, Buddhism and Comparative Religion. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

Master of Religion

Final Essay for Master of Religion

Rev. Bill Jones

This is my attempt to comment on and evaluate the Master of Religion Course and coursework in the form of an end of course essay. I very much enjoyed the course and the new information that I received. I, as an ordained minister have tried to do as the bible advises, “Study to show thyself approved.” Rather than make comments on some of the lessons during the weeks that I received them, I held my comments and responses until now. Those lessons that required answering of questions, I responded with the answers. I hoped that I would receive responses to them as to the accuracy of the answers. I now see that the purpose of the class is to stimulate study and expand your personal spirituality. Much of what I have gained is affirmation of prior non-formal studies and enlightenment of some new revelations.

I occasionally go to the forum section of the web-site to read the answers and comments from other students in the program. I have not been appalled by any of the remarks but sometimes wonder why on some of the comments. The purpose of getting a master’s degree is not just for show but to increase your knowledge of religion. Those who bash the course need to evaluate the reason they are taking the courses. Having been active in several churches over many years, I had always assumed that the pastors or priests were men or women who were learned in the mysteries of the faith of Christianity. This course has taught me that there are many areas untouched by them. I have heard after becoming an ordained minister about the “canons” of the faith.

Independent studies caused me to question many of the things that I have heard for years. The Seminary studies that I did for ordination was strictly an exercise of promoting a doctrine of a particular denomination. Licensing by a church was a way of putting me further into a “box” from which I was further restricted in reading and relating what I had learned.

Having attended and graduating for more than one large well know college and university and having a thirst for knowledge was not satisfied by such restrictive environments. Having had the advantage of traveling some of the world has open vistas of knowledge that I had not know before. The open environment of this course work has allowed that to happen for me.

The failure of all too many who profess to be Christians and have failed to read the bible and not read for understanding truly intrigues me. If you are Christian and have any of the Holy Spirit within you, you should read for yourself and gain some amount of knowledge of the faith.

It is my hope that the discourses without questions caused those taking the course to study further and learn more of each lesson. Those who are computer literate have the resource of a number of internet sites to garner more information.

The only criticism I have is that some of the lessons should be edited for grammar and spelling. Some of the information could be confusing without several readings of that lesson. I suppose that I am a bit of an academic. I have found that being an academic in the pulpit in some of the churches is not appreciated.

I am happy to state that the course work has reinforced things that I knew and made me aware of some things of which that I was not aware. I was unaware of the different presentations of the Ten Commandments by the various denominations. This was further a point of interest when the various differences in translations can be established. As a person degreed in history and social sciences the development of the “church” was also of interest. The fact that St. Jerome translated into Latin for the Emperor and further research provided information of the emperor’s influence is vividly apparent. The social, government and persons influences in translating have really changed the text and wording of these translations.

I believe that I can now put myself in a position of being a “Universalist”. I usually respond that I am a Christian. I have previously been a Baptist, and an Episcopalian. I have been an interim pastor for a Church of God congregation, a Eucharistic minister in the Episcopal Church, interim pastor of two Baptist churches and an associate pastor of a Baptist church. Imagine my surprise at arriving at this point in my spirituality.

Rev. Billings Franklyn Jones

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The Universal Life Church Seminary is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, and Paganism.  We have two courses in Metaphysics, as well as courses in Mystical Christianity, Buddhism and Comparative Religion. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

Master of Religion

Dear Rev. Long,

Thank you for such a wonderful course. I thoroughly enjoyed the study course material I received during the 20 weeks.

Over the entirety of the learning session, I gained more knowledge about how the government and the Bible fit together, the Bible's layout, the history of Christianity and its church, how it applies to marriage and divorce, how it applies to sin such as prostitution and drugs, and many more things that I ever learned in a life time of attending church and Sunday school. Dr. Fuchs really makes this course personalized as if he is talking to me and not just generically to everyone like a regular instructor. He made it fun and exciting and I felt the material was never boring and dry.

The only thing I did not like about the course was the way it was presented. It is great that the course material came in the form of an email, but due to lack of portability, I could not take the material along with me to study, which I found to be hard to study on the go. If you take recommendations for future course study and presentation, I would suggest maybe changing the course presentation into a PDF file or maybe even a Word Doc. Another item for the course I would have suggested would be adding more materials teaching on the important characters of the bible and how they brought the Bible together to reach its uniformity.

Overall, again, I thoroughly enjoyed this course. I have recommended several of my friends who are or want to become ministers to take this course. I feel that this course should continue as an important element of the Seminary curriculum. It will serve as a great asset for Christian as well as non-Christian students alike. Keep up the good work.

Thank you again for a great course and I look forward to taking a few more in the future.

Sincerely,

Rev. Roger Goerrich

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar